Casting Crowns: complete biography and discography with all their albums and songs

Few bands have shaped Christian rock like Casting Crowns: the group led by youth pastor Mark Hall, winner of a Grammy and 15 Dove Awards, with anthems like «Who Am I», «Voice of Truth», «Praise You in This Storm» and «Scars in Heaven». In this entry we tell their complete story and review their entire discography, album by album. If you want to listen to Casting Crowns with their videos, here we also tell you where to find their Casting Crowns songs gathered in Música Cristiana.

1. Complete biography

From Daytona Beach to Georgia: the beginnings (1999-2002)

Casting Crowns was born in 1999 in Daytona Beach, Florida, as a worship band for students at First Baptist Church. Their founder and lead vocalist is Mark Hall, a youth pastor, songwriter and the band’s central voice since day one. The initial lineup included guitarists Juan DeVevo and Hector Cervantes, violinist Melodee DeVevo and drummer Rob Cervantes.

The band’s name comes from Revelation 4, the passage where the 24 elders cast their crowns before God’s throne in worship. In 2001 the band moved to McDonough, Georgia (Atlanta area), and Chris Huffman joined on bass, Megan Garrett on keyboards and accordion, and Andy Williams on drums. As a youth outreach group they independently recorded two CDs that were well received in the Atlanta area. One of those discs reached Mark Miller, singer of the country group Sawyer Brown, who was struck by their pop/rock style and Hall’s vocals, and signed them to his label Beach Street Records, a division of Reunion Records.

The debut and the Grammy: «Casting Crowns» and «Lifesong» (2003-2006)

On October 7, 2003 they released their self-titled debut album Casting Crowns, produced by Mark Miller and Steven Curtis Chapman. The album reached No. 59 on the Billboard 200 and No. 2 on the Christian chart, becoming one of the fastest-selling Christian debuts in history: it was certified 2× Platinum by the RIAA. It produced the hits «If We Are the Body», «Who Am I» (2× Platinum) and «Voice of Truth» (Platinum), and the band won the Dove Award for New Artist of the Year in 2004.

On August 30, 2005 came Lifesong, which debuted at No. 9 on the Billboard 200 and No. 1 on the Christian chart, with the singles «Lifesong», «Praise You in This Storm» (Platinum) and «Does Anybody Hear Her». The album earned the band their first and only Grammy: Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album in 2006. From 2005 to 2009 they won the Dove Award for Group of the Year five years in a row.

«The Altar and the Door», «Peace on Earth» and Artist of the Year (2007-2010)

On August 28, 2007 they released their third album, The Altar and the Door, which debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 with 129,000 copies in its first week and was certified Platinum. It includes «East to West» (Platinum), which won the Dove Award for Song of the Year in 2008, and «Slow Fade» (Gold). In 2008 came their first Christmas album, Peace on Earth (Platinum), with the No. 1 hit «I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day».

On November 17, 2009 came Until the Whole World Hears, which debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 with 167,000 copies in its first week — the biggest debut by a Christian artist in Nielsen SoundScan history — and was certified Platinum. In April 2010 the band finally won the Dove Award for Artist of the Year, their first win in that category after five straight years as Group of the Year.

«Come to the Well», «Thrive» and «Only Jesus» (2011-2020)

On October 18, 2011 they released their fifth album, Come to the Well, inspired by the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman. It debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 with 99,000 copies in its first week and was certified Gold. It includes «Courageous» (Gold) — whose music video promoted the film of the same name — «Jesus, Friend of Sinners» and «Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me)» (Platinum).

In 2013 came The Acoustic Sessions: Volume One, with acoustic versions of their classics and two new songs. On January 28, 2014 came Thrive (Gold), with the singles «All You’ve Ever Wanted», «Thrive» (Gold), «Broken Together» (Gold) and «Just Be Held» (Platinum). In 2015 they released the hymns compilation Glorious Day: Hymns of Faith and the live album A Live Worship Experience. On September 16, 2016 came The Very Next Thing, with «One Step Away», «Oh My Soul» (Gold) and «God of All My Days». On November 16, 2018 came Only Jesus, with the single «Only Jesus» (Gold) and «Nobody» featuring Matthew West (Platinum).

«Healer» and the 20-year celebration (2021-2026)

On June 4, 2021 they released «Scars in Heaven» (Gold), the first single from their ninth studio album, Healer, released on January 14, 2022. The album includes «Desert Road», «The Power of the Cross», «Crazy People» and «Anything But Easy». On September 29, 2023 they celebrated 20 years with the compilation Lifesongs: A Celebration of the First 20 Years. In 2024 they released the live album Casting Crowns: A 20 Year Celebration Live at the Ryman. With more than 12 million albums sold, the band remains one of the most beloved names in Christian music.

2. Complete discography

Complete discography of Casting Crowns

This is the complete list of their releases, in chronological order. Tap an album name to go straight to its block, with its cover and its song list verified on iTunes: the studio albums are in section 3 and the Christmas album, the acoustic versions, the hymns, the live albums, the EPs and the compilations in section 8. The singles are in section 5. The years of the blocks follow the iTunes dates.

• Casting Crowns (2003) — studio album
• Lifesong (2005) — studio album
• The Altar and the Door (2007) — studio album
• Peace on Earth (2008) — Christmas album
• Until the Whole World Hears (2009) — studio album
• Come to the Well (2011) — studio album
• The Acoustic Sessions, Vol. 1 (2013) — acoustic versions
• Thrive (2014) — studio album
• Glorious Day: Hymns of Faith (2015) — hymns and compilation
• A Live Worship Experience (2015) — live album
• The Very Next Thing (2016) — studio album
• Only Jesus (2018) — studio album
• Voice of Truth: The Ultimate Collection (2019) — compilation
• Healer (2022) — studio album
• Lifesongs: A Celebration of the First 20 Years (2023) — anniversary compilation

3. Studio albums

Each studio album with its year, its official cover and its song list verified on iTunes.

Casting Crowns (2003) — Studio album

Their debut album, released on October 7, 2003 on Beach Street Records and produced by Mark Miller and Steven Curtis Chapman. It reached No. 59 on the Billboard 200 and No. 2 on the Christian chart, and was certified 2× Platinum by the RIAA. It includes «If We Are the Body», «Who Am I» and «Voice of Truth».

• What If His People Prayed
• If We Are the Body
• Voice of Truth
• Who Am I
• American Dream
• Here I Go Again
• Praise You With the Dance
• Glory
• Life of Praise
• Your Love Is Extravagant

Lifesong (2005) — Studio album

Released on August 30, 2005. It debuted at No. 9 on the Billboard 200 and No. 1 on the Christian chart, was certified Platinum and won the Grammy for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album in 2006. It includes «Lifesong», «Praise You in This Storm» and «Does Anybody Hear Her».

• Lifesong
• Praise You In This Storm
• Does Anybody Hear Her
• Stained Glass Masquerade
• Love Them Like Jesus
• Set Me Free
• While You Were Sleeping
• Father, Spirit, Jesus
• In Me
• Prodigal
• And Now My Lifesong Sings

The Altar and the Door (2007) — Studio album

Their third album, released on August 28, 2007. It debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 with 129,000 copies in its first week, was certified Platinum and won the Dove Award for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year. It includes «East to West» (2008 Dove Song of the Year), «Every Man» and «Slow Fade». The iTunes edition adds the bonus tracks «White Dove Fly High» and «’Tis So Sweet to Trust In Jesus».

• What This World Needs
• Every Man
• Slow Fade
• East to West
• The Word Is Alive
• The Altar and the Door
• Somewhere In the Middle
• I Know You’re There
• Prayer for a Friend
• All Because of Jesus
• White Dove Fly High (Bonus Track)
• ‘Tis So Sweet to Trust In Jesus (Bonus Track)

Until the Whole World Hears (2009) — Studio album

Released on November 17, 2009. It debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 with 167,000 copies in its first week, was certified Platinum and won the Dove Award for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year. It includes the title single, «If We’ve Ever Needed You» and «Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me)».

• Until the Whole World Hears
• If We’ve Ever Needed You
• Always Enough
• Joyful, Joyful
• At Your Feet
• Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me)
• Holy One
• To Know You
• Mercy
• Jesus, Hold Me Now
• Blessed Redeemer
• Shadow of Your Wings

Come to the Well (2011) — Studio album

Their fifth album, released on October 18, 2011 and inspired by the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman. It debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 with 99,000 copies in its first week and was certified Gold. It includes «Courageous», «Jesus, Friend of Sinners» and «Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me)».

• Courageous
• City On the Hill
• Jesus, Friend of Sinners
• Already There
• The Well
• Spirit Wind
• Just Another Birthday
• Wedding Day
• Angel
• My Own Worst Enemy
• Face Down
• So Far to Find You

Thrive (2014) — Studio album

Released on January 28, 2014. It debuted at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 and No. 1 on the Christian chart, and was certified Gold. It includes «All You’ve Ever Wanted», «Thrive», «Broken Together» and «Just Be Held».

• Thrive
• All You’ve Ever Wanted
• Just Be Held
• You Are the Only One
• Broken Together
• Love You With the Truth
• This Is Now
• Dream For You
• Follow Me
• Heroes
• House of Their Dreams
• Waiting on the Night to Fall

The Very Next Thing (2016) — Studio album

Released on September 16, 2016. It debuted at No. 9 on the Billboard 200 and No. 1 on the Christian chart. It includes «One Step Away», «Oh My Soul» and «God of All My Days».

• Hallelujah
• The Very Next Thing
• One Step Away
• Oh My Soul
• What If I Gave Everything
• God of All My Days
• When the God Man Passes By
• For All You Are
• Song That the Angels Can’t Sing
• Make Me a River
• No Other Name
• Loving My Jesus

Only Jesus (2018) — Studio album

Released on November 16, 2018. It reached No. 2 on Billboard’s Christian chart and received Dove and Grammy nominations. It includes «Only Jesus», «Nobody» (featuring Matthew West) and «The Bridge».

• The Bridge
• Nobody (feat. Matthew West)
• Only Jesus
• In the Hands of the Potter
• Even When You’re Running
• One Awkward Moment
• Awaken Me
• One More Song for You
• Start Right Here
• The Change in Me
• Love Moved First
• Home

Healer (2022) — Studio album

Their ninth studio album, released on January 14, 2022. It includes the singles «Scars in Heaven», «The Power of the Cross», «Desert Road» and «Crazy People». The iTunes track list is as follows:

• Desert Road
• The Power of the Cross
• Scars in Heaven
• Anything But Easy
• Crazy People
• Healer
• 2nd Opinions
• The Power of the Cross
• Scars in Heaven
• Healer

4. Most listened and recommended songs

Their biggest hits and most beloved songs:

• Who Am I
• Voice of Truth
• If We Are the Body
• Lifesong
• Praise You In This Storm
• Does Anybody Hear Her
• East to West
• Slow Fade
• Until the Whole World Hears
• Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me)
• Courageous
• Jesus, Friend of Sinners
• Thrive
• Just Be Held
• Broken Together
• One Step Away
• Oh My Soul
• God of All My Days
• Only Jesus
• Nobody (with Matthew West)
• Scars in Heaven
• Desert Road
• The Power of the Cross
• What If His People Prayed
• Stained Glass Masquerade

5. Musical singles

Songs released individually or featured outside their albums:

• Who Am I (2004) — their first big radio hit
• Lifesong (2005)
• Praise You In This Storm (2006)
• East to West (2007)
• Slow Fade (2008)
• Until the Whole World Hears (2009)
• Courageous (2011) — promoted the film «Courageous»
• Just Be Held (2015)
• One Step Away (2016)
• Oh My Soul (2017)
• God of All My Days (2018) — radio edit
• Only Jesus (2018) — preview of Only Jesus
• Nobody (2019) — with Matthew West
• Start Right Here (2020) — single version
• Start Right Here (HGA Version) (2021) — with KB
• The Power of the Cross (2021) — preview of Healer
• Scars in Heaven (2021) — preview of Healer
• Desert Road (2022) — with CAIN
• All Because of Mercy (Radio Version) (2023)
• East To West (2023) — with Ben Fuller
• Oh My Soul (2023) — with Katy Nichole and David Leonard

6. Album and single covers

These are the official covers of their albums and singles. Tap a cover to listen: if it is on Música Cristiana it plays right here; if not, it opens in Apple Music.

7. Musical collaborations

Songs recorded with other artists:

• Only Jesus — Steven Curtis Chapman co-produced the debut album (2003)
• Nobody — with Matthew West (single, 2019; Platinum)
• Praise You in This Storm — with Phil Wickham (special version, 2023)
• East to West — with Ben Fuller (single, 2023)
• Oh My Soul — with Katy Nichole and David Leonard (single, 2023)
• Desert Road — with CAIN (single, 2022)
• Start Right Here (HGA Version) — with KB (single, 2021)
• If We Are the Body — with Hannah Kerr (on Lifesongs: A Celebration of the First 20 Years, 2023)

8. Live albums and compilations

Recorded concerts, Christmas albums, acoustic versions, hymns and compilations.

Peace on Earth (2008) — Christmas album

Their first Christmas album, released on October 7, 2008. It reached No. 15 on the Billboard 200 and No. 1 on the Christian chart, and was certified Platinum by the RIAA. It includes the No. 1 hit «I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day».

• I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
• O Come All Ye Faithful
• Joy to the World
• While You Were Sleeping
• Silent Night
• God Is with Us
• Away in a Manger
• Christmas Offering
• Sweet Little Jesus Boy
• O Come, O Come Emmanuel

The Acoustic Sessions, Vol. 1 (2013) — Acoustic versions

Album with acoustic versions of their classics plus two new songs, released on January 21, 2013. It reached No. 35 on the Billboard 200 and No. 2 on the Christian chart.

• If We Are the Body (Acoustic)
• East to West (Acoustic)
• American Dream (Acoustic)
• Who Am I (Acoustic)
• Here I Go Again (Acoustic)
• Delivered (Acoustic)
• Somewhere In the Middle (Acoustic)
• Set Me Free (Acoustic)
• Only You (Acoustic)
• Praise You In This Storm (Acoustic)

Glorious Day: Hymns of Faith (2015) — Hymns and compilation

Hymns of the faith compilation with the band’s versions, released on March 2, 2015. It reached No. 52 on the Billboard 200 and No. 2 on the Christian chart. It also includes acoustic versions of their hits.

• When We All Get to Heaven
• Nothing but the Blood
• Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me)
• My Jesus, I Love Thee
• Blessed Redeemer
• At Calvary
• Praise You In This Storm (Acoustic)
• Sweet Hour of Prayer
• If We Are the Body (Acoustic)
• I Surrender All (All To Jesus)
• ‘Tis So Sweet to Trust In Jesus
• Beulah Land

A Live Worship Experience (2015) — Live album

Live album released on November 13, 2015. It reached No. 53 on the Billboard 200 and No. 4 on the Christian chart. It includes live versions of «Just Be Held», «Thrive» and «Jesus, Friend of Sinners», plus worship covers.

• At Calvary (Live)
• Good Good Father (Live)
• Great Are You Lord (Live)
• You Are the Only One (Live)
• Here’s My Heart (Live)
• No Not One (Live)
• Just Be Held (Live)
• The Well (Live)
• Called Me Higher (Live)
• Thoughts on Jesus, Friend of Sinners (Live)
• Jesus, Friend of Sinners (Live)
• Thrive (Live)

Voice of Truth: The Ultimate Collection (2019) — Compilation

Compilation with 16 of their biggest hits, released on November 1, 2019. It reached No. 4 on Billboard’s Christian chart.

• If We Are the Body
• Only Jesus
• Praise You In This Storm
• Just Be Held
• Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me) [Radio Edit]
• Lifesong
• Oh My Soul
• Who Am I
• Until the Whole World Hears
• One Step Away
• East To West
• Broken Together
• Courageous
• Thrive
• God of All My Days
• Voice of Truth

Lifesongs: A Celebration of the First 20 Years (2023) — Anniversary compilation

Anniversary compilation for their 20-year career, released on September 29, 2023. It includes re-recorded versions and new collaborations, like «If We Are the Body» with Hannah Kerr and «Praise You in This Storm» with Phil Wickham.

• Praise You In This Storm (feat. Phil Wickham)
• Nobody
• Who Am I
• All Because of Mercy (Radio Version)
• Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me)
• Scars In Heaven
• Oh My Soul
• Only Jesus
• Just Be Held
• Until the Whole World Hears
• Voice of Truth
• In The Hands of The Potter
• Lifesong
• East To West
• Broken Together
• On This Desert Road
• If We Are The Body (feat. Hannah Kerr)
• The Altar and The Door
• All You’ve Ever Wanted (Reimagined)
• Stained Glass Masquerade (Reimagined)
• 2nd Opinions (Reimagined)

9. Awards and recognitions

Honors, nominations and major achievements:

• 2004 — Dove Award for New Artist of the Year — won; Song of the Year nominations for «If We Are the Body»
• 2005 — Dove Award for Song of the Year for «Who Am I» — won; Group of the Year — won (first of five consecutive years)
• 2005 — Dove Award for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year for Lifesong — won
• 2006 — Grammy Award for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album for Lifesong — won
• 2006 — Dove Award for Group of the Year — won
• 2007 — Dove Award for Song of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year for The Altar and the Door — won
• 2008 — Dove Award for Song of the Year for «East to West» — won
• 2010 — Dove Award for Artist of the Year — won (after five straight years as Group of the Year)
• American Music Awards: 4 wins and 6 nominations
• Billboard Music Awards: 2 wins and 5 nominations
• Total: 15 Dove Awards, 1 Grammy, more than 12 million albums sold
• RIAA certifications: Casting Crowns 2× Platinum; Lifesong, The Altar and the Door, Until the Whole World Hears and Peace on Earth: Platinum; Come to the Well and Thrive: Gold; singles «Who Am I» 2× Platinum, «Voice of Truth», «Praise You in This Storm», «East to West», «Glorious Day» and «Just Be Held»: Platinum

10. Official music videos

Videos and performances by the band on their official YouTube channel:

• Who Am I (official video)
• Voice of Truth (official video)
• Lifesong (official video)
• Praise You in This Storm (official video)
• East to West (official video)
• Slow Fade (official video)
• Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me) (official video)
• Courageous (official video)
• Jesus, Friend of Sinners (official channel)
• Thrive (official video)
• Just Be Held (official video)
• One Step Away (official video)
• Only Jesus (official video)
• Nobody (with Matthew West) (official video)
• Scars in Heaven (official video)

11. Band members

Current members of the band:

• Mark Hall — lead vocals and songwriter (founder, 1999)
• Juan DeVevo — rhythm guitar and backing vocals (founder, 1999)
• Josh Mix — lead guitar and backing vocals
• Melodee DeVevo — violin and backing vocals (founder, 1999)
• Megan Garrett — keyboards, accordion and backing vocals (since 2001)
• Jack Williams — drums
• John Michael Hall — bass (since 2021, son of Mark Hall)

Former members:

• Hector Cervantes — guitar (founder, 1999)
• Andy Williams — drums (2001-2009)
• Chris Huffman — bass (2001-2021)
• Brian Scoggin — drums

12. Where to listen to their music

Listen to their music on their official platforms:

• their official website
• their YouTube channel
• their music on Spotify
• their page on Apple Music
• And also on Música Cristiana, with their songs and videos gathered.